Putting stroke training system

ABSTRACT

A putting stroke training system identifies a preferred putting stroke and facilitates training for a golfer to repeat the preferred putting stroke. The training system includes a grid box with a fixed side wall and a movable side wall. The movable side wall is positionable relative to the fixed side wall into alignment with the preferred putting stroke. The training system also includes an alignment sensor attachable to a putter head. In some embodiments, the alignment sensor signals when the putter head deviates from the preferred stroke.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/404,387, filed Feb. 24, 2012, pending, andclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/652,499, filed May 29, 2012, the entire contents of each of which areherein incorporated by reference.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/404,387 claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/449,112, filed Mar. 4, 2011, U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/500,166, filed Jun. 23, 2011, andU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/524,079, filed Aug. 16, 2011,the entire contents of each of which are herein incorporated byreference.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/404,387 is also acontinuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/182,722, filed Jul. 14, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,152,649, and acontinuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/210,741, filed Aug. 16, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,177,656, the entirecontents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in thisapplication.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/182,722 is a divisional of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/268,231, filed Nov. 10, 2008, now U.S.Pat. No. 8,002,643, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporatedby reference in this application.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/210,741 is a divisional of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/974,721, filed Dec. 21, 2010, now U.S.Pat. No. 8,047,928; which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/268,231, filed Nov. 10, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No.8,002,643, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporatedby reference in this application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

(NOT APPLICABLE)

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to a device and method for training andanalysis of a putting stroke and, more particularly, to a putting stroketraining system that identifies a preferred putting stroke andfacilitates training for a golfer to repeat the preferred puttingstroke.

For a golfer to be a good putter, the golfer must be able to controldistance and direction with a putter. The golfer must also possessskills for “reading” a green. When “reading” a green, the golferanalyzes the terrain between the ball and the hole and determines theextent to which the ball will curve or “break” during the putt.

Golfers typically putt with a pendulum type swing using a shoulder turn.Other putting styles are also used, sometimes depending on the typeand/or size of the putter. Regardless of the particular style used, itis critical to a successful putter that the golfer be capable of makinga consistent stroke.

Training devices exist that purport to help golfers in achieving aconsistent putting stroke. U.S. Published Patent Application No.2006/0029916 A1 (Boscha) discloses a golf putter for training a golfer,where the golf putter has a handle, a head, and sensing unit for sensingparameters. U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2007/0249428 A1(Pendleton, et al.) discloses a putting training device comprising asurface over which a golfer executes a putting stroke, an electric fieldgenerator, an electric field detector, and a plurality of electrodesresponsive to the electric field generator each for producing anelectric field. As the golfer executes the putting stroke, one or moreof the electric fields is perturbed, and the electric field detectordetects the perturbed electric field to determine parameters related toputter head movement. U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,579 B1 (Hart) discloses adynamic laser based golf swing analysis system having single andmultiple laser sources that broadcast a monochromatic laser lightprojected through a cylindrical lens system to generate a series oflight planes in space. None of these prior devices adequatelyillustrates a putting stroke path to assist a golfer in makingconsistent and accurate putting strokes.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Research has pointed out a fundamental misunderstanding of how a golfershould go about practicing putting. What has been happeningtraditionally is that a golfer repeatedly practices a putting strokeaiming at a cup, for example, some distance away. Some balls go in butmost just miss by a small margin. The golfer does not know why. There isno benchmark or record. This is known in science as random behaviorproducing results from some unknown origin.

It is possible in present versions of software and touch screentechnology to trace on a computer screen the path of a putting stroke.The putting motion must be consistent to ensure predictability of theputt. It does not matter to the golf ball if it has been stroked with apendulum swing or a linear path motion. It is the replication of agrooved stroke that is important to produce contact with the ballconsistently. The system of the described embodiments identifies apreferred putting stroke and facilitates training for a golfer to repeatthe preferred putting stroke.

In an exemplary embodiment, a putting stroke training system includes aputting surface with a stroke recording section and a result section.The stroke recording section records stroke paths of a putter head, andthe result section records a result of each stroke of the putter headand identifies successful strokes. A stroke analysis tool cooperablewith the putting surface correlates successful strokes with respectiveones of the stroke paths recorded by the stroke recording section. Thestroke analysis tool generates a preferred stroke path based on therespective ones of the stroke paths correlated with the successfulstrokes. An alignment tool includes a putting guide that graphicallyillustrates the preferred stroke. The alignment tool includes a fixedside wall and a movable side wall, where the movable side wall ispositionable relative to the fixed side wall into alignment with thepreferred stroke.

The preferred stroke path may include a backswing path and afollow-through path, where the movable side wall is positionable intoalignment with the backswing path of the preferred stroke.

In one arrangement, the putting surface is a bottom wall of thealignment tool. Alternatively, the putting surface may be a puttingboard.

The movable side wall may be formed of a flexible material and may beconnected to the fixed side wall with a plurality of set screws. In thisarrangement, the set screws are adjustable to position the movable sidewall into alignment with the preferred stroke.

The system may additionally includes an alignment sensor attachable to aputter head. In this context, the putting guide may include a linerepresentative of the preferred stroke, where the alignment sensordetects a position of the putter head relative to the line. Thealignment sensor may include a signal source that emits a signaldepending on the position of the putter head relative to the line. Inone arrangement, the alignment sensor includes two guide points or lineson a visible surface, where the putting guide comprises two linesrepresentative of the preferred stroke. The two lines are spaced apartby a distance that equals a distance between the two guide points orlines on the visible surface of the alignment sensor. The alignmentsensor may include two optical sensors that detect the position of theputter head relative to the two lines of the putting guide, where thesignal source of the alignment sensor emits a separate signal for eachof the two optical sensors relative to the two lines of the puttingguide.

Preferably, the stroke analysis tool generates the preferred stroke pathbased on an average of a plurality of the stroke paths correlated withthe successful strokes. The stroke recording section may include anelectronic recording screen having one of a touch sensitive or lightsensitive surface, where the electronic recording screen is coupled witha memory that stores the putter head stroke paths based on signals fromthe electronic recording screen. Still further, the stroke analysis toolmay include a computer processor communicating with the electronicrecording screen and the result section, where the computer processorselectively displays the preferred stroke on the electronic recordingscreen.

In another exemplary embodiment, a grid box for training a golfer toputt along a preferred putting stroke includes a fixed side wall, and amovable side wall, where the movable side wall is positionable relativeto the fixed side wall into alignment with the preferred putting stroke.The bottom wall may be formed of a transparent material.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, a putting stroke training systemfor training a golfer to putt along a preferred putting stroke includesa grid box including a fixed side wall and a movable side wall, wherethe movable side wall is positionable relative to the fixed side wallinto alignment with the preferred putting stroke, and an alignmentsensor attachable to a putter head.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects and advantages will be described in detail withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the putting stroke training system;

FIG. 2 shows the stroke recording section of the putting board;

FIG. 3 shows an alignment tool in the form of a grid box that iscooperable with the putting board;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a putter head including a scriberattachment;

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of the stroke analysis tool;

FIG. 6 shows additional details of the alignment tool;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative grid box;

FIG. 8 shows a grid box including a moveable inner wall;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a putter head with an attached alignmentsensor;

FIG. 10 is a top view of the alignment sensor;

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the alignment sensor;

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the alignment sensor; and

FIGS. 13 and 14 show details of the PCB.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the components of the puttingstroke training system. The system includes a putting board 10 having astroke recording section 12, a middle section 14 and a result section16. The middle section 14 can be removed for simulating shorter putts,or additional middle sections may be added to extend the length of theputting board 10. In preferred embodiments, the putting board 10 canprovide for putt lengths from 6-30 feet. A golfer stands on a platform18 adjacent the putting board 10 during training and analysis. Theplatform 18 can be moved to either side to accommodate left-hand andright-hand swinging golfers.

The stroke recording section 12 serves to record stroke paths of aputter head 50. In a preferred construction, the stroke recordingsection 12 includes one or more electronic recording screens 20 embeddedin the floor of the putting board. The electronic recording screens 20may include one of a touch sensitive or light sensitive surface. Thescreens 20 serve to record the path of the putter head 50 as it is drawnback and through the ball and may also record the path of the ball afterbeing struck by the putter head 50. The technology for the electronicrecording screens 20 is known, and additional details of their structureand operation will not be further described. An exemplary recordingscreen is available from Perceptive Pixel of New York, N.Y.(www.perceptivepixel.com).

The stroke recording section 12 may additionally include a signalreceiver 21 preferably in the form of a screen or the like that isdisposed facing the golfer during a putting stroke. The signal receiver21 is cooperable with an attachment to the putter head (discussed inmore detail below) to measure a vertical position of the putter head 50during the putting stroke.

The electronic recording screen(s) 20 include or communicate with amemory 22 that digitally stores the putter head stroke paths based onsignals from the electronic recording screen(s) 20.

The result section 16 records a result each stroke of the putter head 50and identifies successful strokes. In one embodiment, the resultssection 16 includes an opening 24 in a surface of the putting board 10that simulates a golf hole in a putting green. A sensor detects a ballin the opening. The result section 16 may also include an electronicboard 26 that detects dynamic characteristics of a golf ball rollingover the electronic board 26. As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic board26 in the results section 18 may be positioned in front of the opening24 in the putting board surface. The putting board may also include adisplay screen 25 that can show a stroke path based on measurements fromthe recording screen(s) 20, or a comparison of a stroke path to adesired path, or video analysis based on characteristics of a detectedstroke path, or multimedia instruction, etc.

The system may additionally include a stroke analysis tool 52 (FIG. 5)that correlates successful strokes with respective ones of the strokepaths recorded by the stroke recording section 12. The stroke analysistool 52 generates a preferred stroke path based on the respective onesof the stroke paths correlated with the successful strokes. In oneembodiment, the stroke analysis tool 52 generates the preferred strokepath based on an average of a plurality of the stroke paths correlatedwith the successful strokes. In a preferred construction, with referenceto FIG. 5, the stroke analysis tool 52 includes a computer processor 54and memory 55 that communicate with the electronic recording screens 20,26 and the results section 16. The computer processor 54 selectivelydisplays the preferred stroke on the electronic recording screen(s) 20.

With reference to FIG. 3, the putting stroke training system mayadditionally include an alignment tool such as grid box 28 that includesputting guide insert 30 that graphically illustrates the preferredstroke. The putting guide insert 30 is printed based on data measured bythe stroke analysis tool 52. As such, the printed putting guide insert30 is customized for each golfer based on each golfer's unique stroke.The alignment tool or grid box 28 is portable and independent from theputting board 10. The grid box 28 includes a bottom 32 and two sides 34as shown, and the putting guide insert 30 is positioned inside the gridbox 28 on the bottom 32. The bottom 32 may be made of a clear materialsuch as acrylic or plexiglass or the like so that with the grid box 28on the putting board 10, the preferred stroke can be displayed on theelectronic recording screen(s) 20 and viewed through the bottom 32 ofthe grid box 28. Also, when practicing on a real putting surface, thesee-through bottom 32 will enable the golfer to better visualize thesurface texture, color, etc. for more effective practice.

Preferably, the grid box 28 includes a protractor 36 at the putting end.The protractor 36 may be attached in the opposite orientation.Additionally, the grid box 28 may include one or both of a side-to-sidelevel and a front-to-back level 38, which show an orientation of thegrid box 28 on the green.

The levels 38 can be analog or digital, and a single level could be usedto measure an orientation of the grid box in two dimensions. An analoglevel could also be put on a swivel so it can record both longitudinaland side-to-side inclinations of the putting green. The positions of thetwo readings can be related to the protractor 36. It may read, forexample, 4° downward slope and 2° side hill slope. An index can beestablished that will determine the compensation in aiming the grid box28. The index is representative of a variation in degrees from the normof a straight putt on a flat surface. The resulting arithmetical readingon the protractor can indicate how much the grid box 28 should berepositioned in aim to compensate for the trajectory that the ball isgoing to have to travel in its path to the cup. Measurements of thistype can lead to training a golfer to read greens with a higherpercentage of accuracy.

The grid box 28 may still also include one or more metronomes 39, whichprovide an audible and visual rhythm for the putting stroke. As shown inFIG. 3, the grid box 28 may be provided with three metronomes 39 withspecific settings for putt lengths of 12, 20 and 30 feet, respectively.The metronomes 39 are preferably used in concert with drawback lines 40included as part of the putting guide insert 30 in the grid box 28 (seeFIG. 6). As shown, putting guide insert may also include guide lines 42to facilitate putter head alignment using corresponding lines 44 on theputter head 50.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the putter head 50. The putter head 50is fitted with a scriber attachment 56 including one or more markingmembers 58 that are detectable by the electronic recording screen(s) 20.The scriber attachment 56 also includes a signal emitter 60 that isoriented in a direction substantially parallel to a surface of theputting board 10 as shown. With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2,the signal receiver 21 is disposed facing the signal emitter 60 during aputting stroke. In a preferred construction, the signal receiver 21comprises a light sensitive electronic screen, and the signal emitter 60emits a signal that is detectable by the light sensitive electronicscreen. The signal emitter 60 and the signal receiver 21 are positionedto record the vertical position of the putter head 50 during the puttingstroke.

With the system assembled, a golfer begins training by standing on theplatform 18 and making initial putts to familiarize the golfer with thesystem architecture. After the golfer is comfortable with puttingdirections, the recordings can begin for diagnostic purposes. Eachputting motion is scribed on the board 10 and generated into a patternthat the stroke analysis tool 52 can synthesize into a mean or averagemotion relative to the success of the putts. Because the opening/hole 24is able to record a successful putt, there can be a correlation betweenthe putting pathway and the successful putt. Missed putts along withtheir putting pathways and attempts can be discarded. The number ofsuccessful putts is recorded and correlated with pathways generated bythe putting stroke. At the end of testing, the stroke analysis tool 52shows a line or an average of several lines that have been followed bythe golfer's club that has produced the most successful number of putts.The scriber 56 records the putting pathway on the screen(s) 20. Thestroke analysis tool 52 correlates the putter inscriptions with thenumber of successful putts recorded on the screen(s) 20. The softwaremay be capable of predicting a successful putt by interpretations ofinscribed pathways left on the electronic recording screen(s) 20.

As an alternative to the putting board 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, withreference to FIG. 7, the training and practice tool may be assembled inthe form of a modified grid box 128, which is portable and easilypositioned for use by a golfer. The grid box 128 includes a bottom 132and at least one side 134 as shown. Openings or blanks are provided inthe bottom 132 to accommodate one and preferably two computers 124, 125(such as an iPad available from Apple, Inc., or other tablet computer,or screen technology available from PerceptivePixel—www.perceptivepixel.com). The computers 124, 125 are positioned inthe blanks such that a top surface of the computers is flush andcontinuous with the surface of the bottom 132 facing the golfer. Thesystem also includes inserts 126, 127 that match the profile of thecomputers 124, 125 in the event that the golfer elects to use the gridbox 128 without the computers 124, 125. The modified grid box 128 andcomputers 124, 125 function similar to the putting board described aboveto determine a preferred putting stroke or ideal stroke pathway. Thepathway is entirely customized for each golfer and may have a greatdegree of variability according to the golfer's height, weight,previously-established putting habits, etc. Included in the preferredputting path determination are measurements for the distance of thedrawback for various length putts. Hash marks for these distances may bemarked on one of the computer screens. Through the initial trainingprocess, it will be determined, possibly with the assistance of aprofessional teacher, the various distances of drawback of the clubrelative to the distance the ball is to be putt to the cup. Alsoincluded may be measurements of time and rhythm of the putting stroke.

When the preferred pathway for the successful putt has been determined,preferably based on an average pathway of successful putts, thepreferred pathway is printed on an insert 30 for the grid box 28 ordisplayed on the electronic recording screens 20 of the putting board 10or on the computers 124, 125 of the modified grid box 128. One or bothof the inserts 126, 127 are also provided with the preferred pathway.These inserts 126, 127 may be formed of a transparent material such asacrylic or plexiglass or the like, preferably ⅛ inch thickness, and canbe used on a putting green independent of the grid box 28, 128.

With reference to FIG. 8, in addition to the fixed side wall 134, thegrid box 28, 128 may additionally include a movable side wall 136 thatis positionable relative to the fixed side wall 134 into alignment withthe preferred putting stroke. The movable side wall 136 is preferablyformed of a flexible material such as rubber, balsa wood, a composite,or other suitable flexible material. The movable side wall 136 isconnected to the fixed side wall 134 with a plurality of set screws 138.The set screws 138 are adjustable to position the movable side wall 136into alignment with the preferred stroke. As shown, it is intended for atoe of the putter head 50 to be guided by the movable side wall 136, andthe movable side wall 136 is thus positioned so that it is parallel withthe graphical illustration of the preferred putting stroke. Once thegolfer masters the preferred putting stroke or adequately affixes thepreferred putting stroke in muscle memory, the movable wall 136 can bemoved to a position adjacent the fixed wall 134 and out of the way byadjusting the set screws 138.

Repeatedly, the golfer executes putting attempts. The surface of thebottom 32 that is facing the golfer is thus inscribed with guidelinesthat show the golfer the preferred putting path. The printed lines guidethe golfer to follow the lines with guide lines on the putter head 50repeatedly until muscle memory is accomplished. During the phase usingthe screen 20 for guidance, there is once again a correlation betweenthe recordings of successful putts with their pathways. During thetraining phase, it is especially desirable for the golfer to train hiseye and muscle memory to follow the lines on the grid insert 30. For abeginning golfer or a golfer that struggles with putting and is lookingto try a new stroke, the system may generate a suggested stroke pathwayon the recording screen 20.

The golfer continues to putt repeatedly trying to make any necessarycorrections if the putter head 50 is wavering off the grid lines on theinsert 30 that correspond to the preferred putting pathway. Withreference to FIG. 6, regardless of the preferred putting pathway, anaccurate putt requires that the face of the putter head 50 isperpendicular to the desired ball path at impact. The system can detectwhen the putter head is not perpendicular at impact (see dashed lineputter head in FIG. 6) and provide an appropriate alert to the golfer(e.g., via sensor strips 60 and an alignment sensor 70 discussed in moredetail below). At this point, all strokes and attempts have beendirected toward the opening/cup 24 on the typical length putting board10, e.g., 12 feet. At a later time in training, when using the grid box28, 128 various new distances for putts can be memorized. After theideal patterns for various putts are printed, a printout for the insert30 is selected and placed or displayed in the grid box 28, 128.

The grid box 28, 128 has become an important component of transferenceof knowledge from the computer diagnosis to the take home grid box. Theprintout guide insert 30 can be replaced on the floor 32 of the grid box28 after subsequent putting lessons if there are serious changesrequired for improved putting. The grid box 28, 128 is coordinated withdiagnostics from the stroke analysis tool 52 preferred putting pathwayand is important to the procedure because it has the golfer take homeresults for training and practice in the golfers' grid box 28, 128.Every student can utilize a grid box 28, 128 with a unique printoutinsert 30, and as putting improves and the player is retested, and a newprintout insert 30 can be provided. Additionally, there are numerousprintout inserts 30 for different putt lengths. As noted, the preferredputting pathway can also be provided on the grid box inserts 126, 127.

As shown in FIG. 8, sensor strips 60 may be secured to the bottomsurface 32 (or alternatively to the computers 124, 125 or the inserts126, 127) in alignment with the preferred putting stroke. Corresponding“strips” may alternatively be displayed as part of the displayed orprinted graphical illustration. The sensor strips 60 may be formed ofany suitable construction including, for example, a metallic tape orreflective tape or the like. In the graphical illustration, the strips60 may comprise a reflective ink or printed line of suitable color andthickness.

With reference to FIG. 9, the putter head 50 is provided with analignment sensor or sensor unit 70 including sensors that detect whetherthe putter head is in alignment with the sensor strips 60. Preferably,there are two sensor strips 60 provided or displayed on the bottom wallof the grid box 28, 128. The alignment sensor 70 includes two opticalsensors 140 that detect the position of the putter head 50 relative tothe sensor strips 60. The alignment sensor 70 is provided with a signalsource that emits a separate signal for each of the two optical sensors140 relative to the sensor strips 60. The optical sensors 140 on thebottom of the sensor unit 70 read the sensor strips 60. One sensorfollows each sensor strip, which makes it possible to determine if thegolf club is rotating or going off path during the putting stroke. Thisis a live and continuous feedback that is continuous during the entireputting stroke. The golfer can use the alignment sensor 70 incombination with strips 60 on the inserts 126, 127 with or without thegrid box 28, 128.

Details of an exemplary sensor unit 70 are shown in FIGS. 10-14. FIG. 10is a top view of the sensor unit 70, and FIG. 11 is a bottom view of thesensor unit 70. The top view is facing the golfer during use. In apreferred embodiment, the sensor unit is provided with two green orwhite LEDs 142 in line with corresponding putter aiming lines 144 on thesensor unit. Two red LEDs 146 warn the golfer that the putter head isoff line from the sensor strips 60. In the bottom view, the sensor unit70 includes infrared/optical sensors 140 sealed in a rubber cap thatinteract with the sensor strips. A battery door 148 is provided forbattery replacement.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the sensor unit 70. The sensor unit 70 iscoupled with a bracket 150 that mounts the sensor unit to the putterhead 50 via screws 152. A bottom housing 154 contains a printed circuitboard (PCB) 156 that provides the electronics for achieving the desiredfunctionality. The battery door 148 is secured via screws 158 to thebottom housing, and a clear polycarbonate lens 160 is secured over theoptical sensors 140 and sealed via a rubber cap 162. A top housing 164secures reflector cones 166 to intensify the LEDs 142, 146 and enclosethe PCB 156 in the bottom housing 154. A rubber button 167 coupled withthe PCB 156 extends to an exterior of the top housing 164 through anopening in the top housing 164 for turning the unit on and off and forkeeping moisture out.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show exemplary details of the PCB 156. The PCB 156supports the optical sensors 140 each including an infrared transmitter140 a and an infrared receiver 140 b and a microprocessor 168 thatactivates the LEDs 142, 146 on an opposite side of the PCB 156 accordingto signals from the optical sensors 140. The PCB 156 also includes astandard interface connection 170 that can be used for modifyingprogramming and for retrieving velocity and positioning informationstored in a memory.

The alignment sensor 70 may alternatively or additionally include anaudible indicator (e.g., alarm, buzzer) or physical indicator (e.g.,vibration) that is activated with the putter head is off line. Thesound(s) and or vibration(s) can be amplified as the putter head isfarther off line.

In use, it is desirable for the sensor strips 60 to be followed duringputting. In order to follow the preferred putting stroke, both green orwhite diodes 142 must be on. If one of the red diodes 146 isilluminated, the club is twisted. If both red diodes 146 areilluminated, the golfer has gone off track. As the ball is struck, bothgreen or white diode lights 142 should be illuminated in order to sendthe ball in the direction the grid box 28, 128 has been aimed; i.e.,having a square face to the ball relative to the target. This featureprovides an additional indicator to the golfer to assist the golfer inaligning the putter head in a proper orientation, particularly atimpact.

With reference to FIG. 8, the sensor strips 60 typically may be curvedto accommodate a more pendulum-type swing. The curvature ispredetermined based on the preferred putting stroke path of theparticular user. A template can be generated so that the strips can beproperly placed. As noted above, it is not necessary that the putterhead maintain alignment during the entire putting stroke, but rather theputter head should be aligned at impact. In still another variation, thesensor strips 60 may be wider to accommodate a non-linear puttingstroke. In this context, the sensor strips may be tapered such that thestrips are narrowest at the impact position and wider through the backswing and follow-through of the putting stroke also to accommodate apendulum or other non-linear putting stroke.

The sensor strips 60 do not affect the recording of the putting strokeon the computers.

During the early phases of practice putting, the movable wall 136supporting the toe of the golf club will aid the golfer in his musclememory to obtain the feeling of what an accurate stroke should be.Proficiently repeated successful putts, utilizing the support of theadjustable/movable wall 136, lends confidence to the putting stroke forfollowing the preferred putting path. After repeated successful putts,the movable wall 136 supporting the toe of the club can be readjustedback to the fixed rigid wall 134 of the grid box 28, 128. Undoubtedly,at this point, errors in the putting stroke may appear. Repeated effortsto follow the preferred putting path in conjunction with the lines ontop of the putter and sensor unit will eventually develop the golferskill to produce a consistent putting stroke.

The weight of the putter head 50 can be adjusted using suitably drilledholes and specifically weighted lead inserts. It is desirable to avoidweight fluctuations with the sensor unit or scriber attachment attachedto the putter head. When the training components are removed, the leadinserts can be added so that the putter head weight is consistent frominitial testing and analysis through actual use during play. Anexemplary target weight for the putter head is 350 grams.

The training system and described process eliminate the randomness ofrepeated putting that has successes and failures but have no benchmarksas to where the errors are being created. The grid box can be taken toany position on any green and eventually be very helpful in selectingvarious aiming directions for breaking putts. The golfer can repeatedlymake a judgment call as to what the proper break should be. Because ofthe aiming protractor on the grid box, the golfer is able to measuredown to a small dimension (e.g., 1/16^(th) of an inch) as to themodification required to change the aim in order to have a successfulputt. This can only be done by repeatedly studying the contour of thegreen and making adjustments in the aim of the grid box. When it isconcluded how much aim is incorrect, the golfer can eventually improvestability for making judgment calls to make the first putt successful.Repeatedly visualizing where misjudgments can be made will eventuallyteach the mind's eye to solve the mysteries hidden in the contoursaround the golf cup.

While the invention has been described in connection with what ispresently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments,it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to thedisclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover variousmodifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit andscope of the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A putting stroke training systemcomprising: a putting surface including a stroke recording section and aresult section, the stroke recording section recording stroke paths of aputter head, and the result section recording a result of each stroke ofthe putter head and identifying successful strokes; a stroke analysistool cooperable with the putting surface that correlates successfulstrokes with respective ones of the stroke paths recorded by the strokerecording section, the stroke analysis tool generating a preferredstroke path based on the respective ones of the stroke paths correlatedwith the successful strokes; and an alignment tool including a puttingguide that graphically illustrates the preferred stroke, the alignmenttool comprising a fixed side wall and a movable side wall, wherein themovable side wall is positionable relative to the fixed side wall intoalignment with the preferred stroke.
 2. A putting stroke training systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the preferred stroke path includes abackswing path and a follow-through path, and wherein the movable sidewall is positionable into alignment with the backswing path of thepreferred stroke.
 3. A putting stroke training system according to claim1, wherein the putting surface is a bottom wall of the alignment tool.4. A putting stroke training system according to claim 1, wherein theputting surface is a putting board.
 5. A putting stroke training systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the movable side wall is formed of aflexible material and is connected to the fixed side wall with aplurality of set screws, the set screws being adjustable to position themovable side wall into alignment with the preferred stroke.
 6. A puttingstroke training system according to claim 1, further comprising analignment sensor attachable to a putter head.
 7. A putting stroketraining system according to claim 6, wherein the putting guidecomprises a line representative of the preferred stroke, and wherein thealignment sensor detects a position of the putter head relative to theline.
 8. A putting stroke training system according to claim 7, whereinthe alignment sensor comprises a signal source that emits a signaldepending on the position of the putter head relative to the line.
 9. Aputting stroke training system according to claim 8, wherein thealignment sensor comprises two guide points or lines on a visiblesurface, wherein the putting guide comprises two lines representative ofthe preferred stroke, the two lines being spaced apart by a distancethat equals a distance between the two guide points or lines on thevisible surface of the alignment sensor.
 10. A putting stroke trainingsystem according to claim 9, wherein the alignment sensor comprises twooptical sensors that detect the position of the putter head relative tothe two lines of the putting guide, and wherein the signal source of thealignment sensor emits a separate signal for each of the two opticalsensors relative to the two lines of the putting guide.
 11. A puttingstroke training system according to claim 1, wherein the stroke analysistool generates the preferred stroke path based on an average of aplurality of the stroke paths correlated with the successful strokes.12. A putting stroke training system according to claim 1, wherein thestroke recording section comprises an electronic recording screen havingone of a touch sensitive or light sensitive surface, the electronicrecording screen being coupled with a memory that stores the putter headstroke paths based on signals from the electronic recording screen. 13.A putting stroke training system according to claim 12, wherein thestroke analysis tool comprises a computer processor communicating withthe electronic recording screen and the result section, the computerprocessor selectively displaying the preferred stroke on the electronicrecording screen.
 14. A putting stroke training system for training agolfer to putt along a preferred putting stroke, the training systemcomprising: a grid box including a fixed side wall and a movable sidewall, wherein the movable side wall is positionable relative to thefixed side wall into alignment with the preferred putting stroke; and analignment sensor attachable to a putter head, wherein the grid boxincludes a bottom wall having a graphical illustration of the preferredputting stroke, and wherein the graphical illustration is provided byreflective tape on the bottom wall, the alignment sensor including areflective sensor that detects a position of the putter head relative tothe preferred putting stroke, and a signal source that emits a signaldepending on the position of the putter head relative to the preferredputting stroke, wherein the alignment sensor comprises two guide pointsor lines on a visible surface, and wherein the graphical illustrationcomprises two lines representative of the preferred putting stroke, thetwo lines being spaced apart by a distance that equals a distancebetween the two guide points or lines on the visible surface of thealignment sensor, wherein the alignment sensor comprises two opticalsensors that detect the position of the putter head relative to the twolines of the putting guide, and wherein the signal source of thealignment sensor emits a separate signal for each of the two opticalsensors relative to the two lines of the putting guide.